Cross-sectional pattern of collateral vessels in patients with superficialfemoral artery occlusion

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this study was to identify the cro ss-sectional location of collateral vessels in patients with peripheral vas cular disease on three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiograms (3D MRAs) to suggest sites for intravascular or transcutaneous angiogenesis gene deli very in the lower extremity, METHODS. The axial locations were measured and categorized by tissue compar tments, as well as by radial coordinates with respect to the femur. RESULTS. Collateral vessels in the thigh were identified in 24 of 93 consec utive patients who underwent peripheral 3D MRA, Ninety-one percent (99/109) of the observed collaterals were located near the adductor canal level of the thigh, with 78% (31/46) of these collaterals located in the fat in or s urrounding the posterior muscle. CONCLUSIONS. The majority of collateral vessels in the thigh are located in the fat or muscle,within the posterior compartment near the femur at the l evel of the adductor canal.